reflected on his lieutenant Caecina, for he overcame all the challenges he faced, and bravely<hr>
fought the troops of Inguiomer and those of Arminius. The Roman armies have only been victorious in these encounters and if these victories hadn't shed some of their glory on Germanicus, he would have been less exposed to the emperor’s suspicions. I have even heard it said that I somehow contributed to his downfall, for it was believed that his valor was as contagious as the evil in this age and that he had passed some of it on to me. It was thought that since he had made me brave, he would make heroes of all the soldiers who fought for him. But those who thought so forgot that I am of Octavian's blood and that Germanicus had more difficulty in restraining my courage than in stimulating it.<hr>
       Moreover, it is true that when rumors circulated that the Roman army had deserted and that the enemies were coming to ravage Gaul, I prevented some who were too frightened by this false news from breaking the bridge that crossed the Rhine and thus, somehow, saved the Roman legions. I did nothing that should have aroused doubts. Indeed, when the legions returned, I stood at the end of the bridge to thank the soldiers, encourage some, assist others, comfort the wounded and do whatever compassion and generosity commanded me on behalf of those who had just fought for their country, Tiberius' safety, and Germanicus' glory. Instead, I should have been thanked for this act rather than being considered an enemy. The friendship the legions had for Agrippina and Germanicus only served their enemies' interests, the leaders of Rome. For even though Germanicus knew as well as I did that there were illegitimate feelings towards him, he used this legion friendship to engage them in his campaigns that only aimed at the glory of those who did not love him. It’s true he insisted on the war in Germany, but it was only because he believed it was necessary for Rome's good, which the events later demonstrated. After Arminius and Inguiomer's last efforts to raise an army capable of defeating that of Germanicus, after having used all the cunning that wise captains use, and after having taken advantage of all the benefits that the knowledge of the places offered him, Germanicus gained as many victories as he fought battles.<hr>
       Never have enemies defended themselves with such tenacity. Sometimes, they seemed to flee only to return to fight with more determination. The defeat of their troops only increased their courage. The closer they seemed to defeat, the more they tried to get in fighting position. It is said that the valor of these killed Germanic soldiers was transmitted to the spirit of their companions for avenging their death. Thus, Germanicus deserves great fame for having defeated such enemies. Among the objects found in the spoils after one of the battles won, many chains were discovered which the enemy had prepared to chain the Roman soldiers as prisoners, for they were certain of their victory. However, after that<hr>
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